Last Thursday, Union City celebrated Women’s History Month at the Jose Marti Middle School. Sponsored by Mayor Brian Stack and the Union City Board of Commissioners, the “Women Making Strides” celebration honored several women with a city proclamation for their accomplishments and service to their community.
“We are proud of you and cannot congratulate you enough for the contributions you made to Union City,” said Commissioner Tilo Rivas. “We [the Board of Commissioners] feel the necessity to keep working hard when we see your example.”
“Women have a special place in my heart,” said Commissioner Chris Irizarry. “When I [remember] the sacrifices my mother made for me and the sacrifices my wife made for my children, [I feel] it shows an incredible amount of strength. We celebrate you today.”
Honorees
The evening event was highlighted by guest speakers like Danays Vichot Roque, of radio station La Kalle 105.9 FM; Niurka “Nikki” Mederos of Palisades Medical Center; and even Union City’s own Commissioner Maryury “Margie” Martinetti. Martinetti is the first Hispanic woman to serve on the Union City Board of Commissioners.
“We are living in a great time, when women are finally getting recognized for their achievements,” said Martinetti. “I am very honored by this recognition. I want to thank Mayor Stack for giving me this opportunity to represent the community in my role as commissioner.”
Celebrating alongside Martinetti was Hudson County resident Danays Roque, who is the promotions manager for La Kalle radio station.
Born in Havana, Cuba, Roque was raised in North Bergen and achieved her degree in business administration/marketing from Jersey City State College. After working for Viacom for five years, she was hired by the Hispanic Broadcasting Corporation (now Univision Radio), where she is currently promotions manager for La Kalle 105.9 F.M.
In 2005, she received the Shining Star award for promotions director of the year.
“I am very honored to be surrounded by all these powerful women, who sacrificed so much to work professionally while caring for their homes and families,” said Roque. City proclamations were also awarded to these professional women, which included Gina Jaramillo, Yolanda Valdez, Sonia Cesareo, and Clara Ines Lara. Other awards were also given to several women in recognition for their civic work.
Special guests, honors and a fashion show
In addition, the evening included a fashion show featuring the finest in evening wear and wedding gowns. The fashions were contributed by Daisy’s Fashions and Eve of My Lady of Union City.
Mayor Stack was even made an honorary woman by Wendy Martinez, the master of ceremonies for the evening. “I don’t know if I will be an honorary woman tonight, but I do love the women of Union City,” said Stack. “I’ve always said, ‘if you want something done, give it to a woman.'”
As an example, Stack took the opportunity to introduce one of his running mates for the 33rd District, special guest West New York Commissioner Caridad Rodriguez.
Stack and Rodriguez will be running on the same ticket for the upcoming June primary election in the 33rd District.
Rodriguez, who works for the local congressional office of Rep. Albio Sires, is also the first woman commissioner in West New York.
“Thank you for your warm reception, it is a true pleasure to be here tonight,” said Rodriguez, who graduated from Union Hill High School. “It is my great pleasure and honor to work with your Mayor and Assemblyman Brian Stack for the ticket in the 33rd District. I thank [him] for the opportunity to continue to serve our district.”
Jessica Rosero can be reached at jrosero@hudsonreporter.com